Hickory – The Lenoir-Rhyne University Visiting Writers Series returns for its 33rd season and will host a variety of authors, poets, editors and more in both a virtual and in-person format for the academic year.

The series, established in 1988, features readings and presentations by authors who have distinguished themselves in literature and often meet with students to discuss the stories behind their works. The series’ mission remains the promotion of literary experiences with contemporary writers meant to engage and educate young people at LR. All events, which take place in P.E. Monroe Auditorium on the LR campus in Hickory unless otherwise noted, are free, and the public is welcome to attend.

*Pre-registration is required for any virtual presentations. Lenoir-Rhyne University works to provide a safe and healthy environment for conferences and events. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, certain protocols need to be followed. Please follow lr.edu/coronavirus for proper procedures on attending Lenoir-Rhyne events.

 2021-22 VWS Season Schedule

Keith Flynn, Thursday, Sept. 16 at 7 p.m.

Footcandle Screenwriters, Sept. 23 at 7 p.m.

Ocean Vuong, Oct. 21 at 7 p.m. (Virtual)

The Campus Read: Neil Gaiman, Oct. 28 at 5 p.m. (Virtual)

D.M. Spratley, Jan. 20 at 7 p.m.

Etaf Rum, Feb. 10 at 7 p.m.

Steve Palmer, March 30-April 2 at 7 p.m

Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, March 30 at 7 p.m.

Robin Wall Kimmerer, April 7 at 7 p.m.

Jarrett and Jerome Pumphrey, April 9, Time TBD

To read more about this year’s speakers, visit: lr.edu/vws. For information on registration, visit the Visiting Writers Series calendar page.

About Lenoir-Rhyne University:

Founded in 1891, Lenoir-Rhyne University is a co-educational, private liberal arts institution with more than 50 undergraduate degree programs and nearly 30 graduate degree programs. LR enrolls more than 2,300 undergraduate and graduate students. LR’s main campus is in Hickory, North Carolina, where both undergraduate and graduate degrees are offered. The university also offers graduate degree programs on its campuses in Asheville, North Carolina, and Columbia, South Carolina. The Lutheran Theological Southern Seminary is also in Columbia. LR is affiliated with the North Carolina Synod of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America and welcomes students from all religious backgrounds. The website is www.lr.edu.

Keith Flynn will be at VWS on Sept. 16